Clemens might have some parting shots for hitters
Throwing batting practice the last act on his first stint working with Astros
KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Roger Clemens will spend one more day at Astros camp before going home later in the day on Wednesday, ending the first of his three stints working with Houston pitchers on the back fields at Osceola County Stadium.
Clemens, who was back in jeans and boots on Tuesday after breaking out the baseball pants on Monday, said he might throw live batting practice to hitters.
"I enjoy throwing what I call 'room service' to them," he said.
Clemens watched a group of Astros pitchers throw live BP on Field 2 and spoke to each one afterwards, including Bud Norris, Xavier Cedeno and Brett Oberholtzer. Manager Bo Porter said Clemens even addressed the hitters earlier in the day.
"I thanked him today so much for all he's been doing around here, not just with the pitchers but also with the position players," Porter said. "When you have a Hall of Fame-caliber pitcher who makes himself as accessible to us as Roger as made himself, it's a benefit for everyone."
Porter said he's grateful to have experienced pitchers like Clemens, pitching coach Doug Brocail and bullpen coach Dennis Martinez to help the young arms. The trio has combined for 651 wins and 9,804 1/3 innings in the Major Leagues.
"We're very fortunate," Porter said.